The 50/50 Blog

Note: Opinions expressed on the US Youth Soccer Blog (web log) are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer). Links on this web log to articles do not necessarily imply agreement by the author or by US Youth Soccer with the contents of the articles. Links are provided to foster discussion of topics and issues. Readers should make their own evaluations of the contents of such articles.

Kabooooom

The headline says it all. This is a rocket.

Big Money = Success??

Toronto FC debuted Julio Cesar at the Walt Disney Classic. Cesar teamed up with Bradley and Gilberto (Defoe, pictured above, didn't play), and the big off-season money spending Toronto FC fell in their first game to the Columbus Crew 3-1. See more MLS offseason results.

Most important words

What your youth athlete wants to hear from you – the parent. We found this article and thought you would enjoy the read. There are a few really strong things that stood out to us. Let us know what you think. If you like it, please tell us. Read it here.

The Worst Team?

American Samoa's football team were beaten 31-0 by Australia in 2001, earning them the label 'the worst team in the world'. Mike Brett and Steve Jamison's documentary charts the team's progress after former Dutch pro Thomas Rongen arrived to coach them in the art of feeling like winners, on the field and off. Watch the trailer for the documentary here.

In other sports news....

Who doesn't love a good feel good story? The NBA's Philadelphia 76ers signed Bensalem High School senior Kevin Grow to a ceremonial two-day contract on Monday. Read more here.

Soccer Tennis

A game known for helping with your first touch and air balls, this Danish player, a goalkeeper, shows you can do a bit more than that.

GOOOOOAAAA....wait no?

It's a goal right? Well not according to the referee and the assistant referee who is placed perfect on the goal line. Ooooops...

U.S. U-20 WNT

We love when we see US Youth Soccer players chase their dreams and get a chance to represent their country. The U-20 WNT roster was recently announced and all 24 players have played in a US Youth Soccer program at one point!

Welcome back Champions League

Whoops

Whoops! Don't leave your teammates hanging when celebrating goals!

Julian Green

Bayern Munich attack prodigy Julian Green has accepted Jurgen Klinsmann's offer to train with the US national team in Frankfurt, Germany, next month, MLSsoccer.com has learned. But that is not a sign that he has opted to declare for the USMNT over Germany. Read more here.

MLS Fantasy Soccer

Need more soccer in your life? Check out Major League Soccer's Fantasy Soccer. How does it work you ask? Check it out here.

Ronaldo to Miami?

Who doesn't love a good rumor? Try this one out. It has been rumored that Beckham is looking into a deal that will take the Portuguese to Major League Soccer in three years’ time. Read more here.

Kljestan making his case

Sacha Kljestan was one of three Americans abroad to score on Sunday and also added an assist. With the World Cup coming up every American playing is racing to make their case for inclusion. Watch Kljestan above and then read about some other American players.

Nashville FC

Here's a look at the first fully supporter-owned soccer club in the United States, in perhaps the least likely of places, Nashville, Tenn. Created one night by two buddies, the team now has a head coach, freshly minted jerseys, stadium plans in place and – beginning in May – a league to conquer, just like any other team in the country. Read more here.

The elusive rooster

Rooster vs. Security. Let's just say the rooster gave them a run for their money.